Inter aiming for rebirth, Lazio for third spot
Lazio are aiming to secure third spot and Champions League football next season when they tackle Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: May 13, 2012 08:15 AM IST
Lazio are aiming to secure third spot and Champions League football next season when they tackle Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday.
But for their opponents it is a return to the European summit that they are after.
Coach Andrea Stramccioni knows his side are outsiders to claim third place and a Champions League berth but he is still aiming much higher than that.
Even if either team wins on Sunday they are dependent on Udinese losing and in Inter's case, also on Napoli not winning.
"It's an important moment, after the derby spectacle (they beat AC Milan 4-2) we've even felt the fans' help during the week," said Stramaccioni.
"I'm thinking beyond the match against Lazio, this moment could be the prelude to an Italian renaissance in Europe.
"Ours has not been a positive year but we will fight until the last second to get into the Champions League.
"It's difficult but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try right to the end.
"Lazio play well at home, it's difficult going to the Olimpico but we have to do everything to win.
"We're all working hard to return to being leaders in Italy and beyond."
For Lazio coach Edy Reja it is all about the here and now as he is not even sure to be on the Lazio bench next season.
And he's hoping for a helping hand from Catania against Udinese.
"I hope Catania play the right game but what counts is how we play," said Reja.
"I've read there will be 50,000 fans and it would be important to finish the season well for them.
"We know what Inter are worth, their quality and now (Diego) Milito has rediscovered his venom and doesn't miss any more.
"We need to hurt them and don't give them time to think, we need to be careful and aggressive."
Lazio need to win and hope Udinese lose to come third while Inter need to win, see Udinese lose and Napoli fail to win.